His mother couldn’t get a visa to come visit her son in the United States.

One can imagine the stress of not having your mother close to you when moving to a different part of the world. But Fabian kept on going, hoping that the day when he would see his mother again wouldn’t be too far off.

When 2018 came, it marked 16 years since Fabian saw his mother in person.

Knowing this, Fabian’s daughter, Deisy Sanchez, thought of a way to make her father’s birthday one to remember.

On the big day, when Fabian got home from work, he was greeted by his family, who crowded into his living room for his birthday party.

In the middle of the living room, a giant birthday gift box was set up on the floor. Family members held up their cameras and told Fabian to open the gift.

(Inside Edition / Screenshot)

Once he did, someone special came out of it.

It was his mother who was in the box.

(Inside Edition / Screenshot)

It took Fabian a moment to process what was going on, and once he realized it, he broke down.

The pair then shared a hug, the first one in many years, as their family cheered.

(Inside Edition / Screenshot)

Sanchez helped arrange the surprise, along with the rest of the family. Once the family (except Fabian) found out that Montalbo’s visa was accepted, they got her a plane ticket that same day.

“My grandma was so happy when she found out she was coming to the US,” Sanchez told Daily Mail.

The son and mother are now reunited, and it couldn’t have happened in a more heartwarming moment. Hopefully, she’ll be able to attend many more of her son’s birthdays.